Free Piston Mover Control with Future-Stroke Parameter Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control methods for Free Piston Movers (FPMs) in Linear Power Systems (LPS) fail to adequately adjust control for future strokes, leading to saturation and suboptimal performance due to inadequate maintenance of Current Demand Control Margin and failure to compensate for system changes over time.
Innovation Solution
A control method involving a Future-Stroke Controller that generates and transmits a Control Parameter Set to an In-Stroke Controller, including a Target Control Variable Function, Stroke Threshold Function, Feed Forward Current Function, and Feedback Terms Function, to adapt control parameters for future strokes, ensuring a sufficient Current Control Margin and compensating for system changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing control methods are used for Free Piston Movers, then the system can operate, but the Current Demand Control Margin becomes saturated and system performance becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by predicting future piston positions and velocities before they occur, calculating required control forces in advance. This allows the system to maintain optimal Current Demand Control Margin proactively rather than reactively, preventing saturation before it occurs and ensuring sustained high performance throughout operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control parameters are not adapted for future strokes, then the control system is simpler, but the system cannot compensate for changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback by continuously measuring actual piston position and velocity, comparing them with predicted values, and using the differences to update future control predictions. This closed-loop approach enables the system to adapt to changes over time while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture through efficient use of measurement and prediction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by using its own measurement capabilities to detect performance deviations and automatically adjusting future control actions without external intervention. The system monitors its own state and autonomously compensates for changes, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise control of FPM movement is implemented, then optimal system performance is achieved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system calculates target piston positions, velocities, and required forces in advance based on desired performance trajectories. By preparing control commands beforehand rather than computing them in real-time during piston movement, the system achieves precise control while keeping the control architecture relatively simple and computationally efficient.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves efficiency, reduces vibration, shortens start-up times, extends operating life, reduces emissions, and enhances fuel flexibility in FPLG applications, while maintaining optimal system performance by adapting control parameters for future strokes.
Implementation Method 1
there is a Linear Electro-Mechanical System and a Linear Thermo-Fluidic System which are coupled through the linear motion of the Free Piston Mover
Implementation Method 2
The pressure of working fluid within the working chamber produces a force acting upon the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a Free Piston Mover, the method comprising the steps of: generating a Control Parameter Set for closed loop control of a Target Control Variable, this set comprising a Target Control Variable Function together with one or more of: a Stroke Threshold Function; a Feed Forward Current Function; a Feedback Terms Function; Control Parameter Set Transition Conditions; transmitting the Control Parameter Set to an In-Stroke Controller in advance of the start of a Stroke to be controlled; modifying one or more of the constituents of the Control Parameter Set for any Future Stroke of the Free Piston Mover using a Future-Stroke Controller; and transmitting the modified Control Parameter Set to the In-Stroke Controller for the control of any Future Stroke.